Where can I purchase a “Pilot Operating Handbook” for the Cessna 172
SP airplane, and what is the approximate cost?
The year of the Cessna 172 SP can be: 2001, or 2002, 0r 2003.  
Nothing older please.

Hello again clicker5,

Thank you for your question.
 
These are readily available from Cessna, Cessna dealerships and even
repair facilities.

I went to the Cessna website - www.cessna.com and then to the single
engine support page.
http://customer.cessna.com/se/locator.chtml

Here you can input your zipcode for a list of nearby facilties.

I called the one closest to me as listed below:

PACIFIC STATES AVIATION, INC.
51 JOHN GLENN DRIVE
CONCORD, CA 94520
Phone: 925-685-4400
Fax: 925-687-2434
Email: bellf@pacbell.net
SE 

The 172 SP handbook is a stock item for them, however out of stock at
the moment and expected in next week. They sell for $21.

I think if you locate your closest dealer OR service center, there are
strong odds it will be in stock for you due to the popularity of the
172, or they will be able to order for you at worst case. Cessna seems
to ship all of their parts orders overnight, so there should not be
much wait if you do need to special order.


Regards,

-=clouseau=-

Hello clouseau:
Thanks again for a 5 star answer.
Kindest regards,
clicker5

In view of the current world situation and the level of paranoia
associated with airplanes and rogue pilots nowadays you would likley
have to pursue this type of thing in person and be willing to provide
proof that you are an experienced, licensed pilot in good standing
before someone would sell you a pilot's manual. Furthermore, it would
probably be quite difficult, if not impossible, for a third party to
successfully make inquiries about it since we are unable to vouch for
your authenticity. A third party, such as a researcher, inquiring in
your behalf would probably cause unnecessary alarm and while I can't
speak for others, I personally would not be willing to do that for any
amount of money, even though you may be legitimate and very sincere in
your attempt to obtain one. I'm sure you understand how complex your
request would be to fulfill at this particular moment in time.

Just FYI

tutuzdad-ga

I think we might be a little paranoid here.  There are many reasons
non-licensed pilots would interessted in obtaining a manual.  And, as
any pilot will tell you, no amount of book reading or computer playing
will provide the training necessary to operate a airplane.  These
skills come with training, practice, and hands-on experience. 
Engineers, mechanics, groud ops, students, and a host of others would
have an interest in reading a manual like this.  I would suggest to
check with your local yellow pages, look up a flight school, and most
will be more than happy to sell you one, or to tell you where you can.
 Our local flight schools really do a good job these days in making
sure their students have a good reason to fly, but it's usually not
that hard...It's a wonderful pastime.

Hello ewek1-ga
   Thank you for setting the record straight in regard to what a
“Pilot Operating Handbook” is.
   A “Pilot Operating Handbook” is to an airplane, as to what an
automobile handbook is to an automobile.   An automobile handbook will
not teach a person to drive, and a “Pilot Operating Handbook” will not
teach a person to fly.
clicker5-ga